Japan's hidden island: Temples & festivals in Shikoku

12 days
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Private Guided
Japan’s distinct culture, futuristic cities and striking natural landscapes make it one of our most rewarding destinations. While the lifestyle may seem intimidatingly different, our specialists have spent time living, and often working, in the country and can help you navigate the cultural idiosyncrasies. With their expert guidance and help in planning your ...
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Overview

Trip type
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

What's this trip about?

    Japan’s distinct culture, futuristic cities and striking natural landscapes make it one of our most rewarding destinations. While the lifestyle may seem intimidatingly different, our specialists have spent time living, and often working, in the country and can help you navigate the cultural idiosyncrasies. With their expert guidance and help in planning your tailor-made itinerary, experiencing a culture far removed from your own is part of the country’s charm. In one sleek bullet train journey, you can travel from the dense, neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the fresh, clean air of the Japanese Alps. Buddhist temples dot the country, and in rural areas you can stay in traditional ryokan inns for a taste of Japanese life from a bygone era. Our specialists can advise on everything from the best local festivals to attend, to which local delicacies to try during your holiday to Japan.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityOperator does not provide
End CityOperator does not provide

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • 50 Plus
  • Hiking & Walking
  • National Parks
  • Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing
  • Trekking & Expeditions

Destinations

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Historic Sightseeing
  • Nature
  • Rafting
  • Trekking
  • Whitewater Rafting

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Itinerary

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Tokyo.

Day 2 : Osaka

You arrive in Tokyo, and continue on a connecting flight to Osaka airport. Here you will be met by an airport representative whose principal job is to help with a smooth arrival and assist in validating your rail pass. From the airport, you will take a limousine bus to your hotel not too far away.

Day 3 : Tokushima

Travel by bus to Tokushima via Awaji-jima island and across the world's longest suspension bridge that links the main island of Honshu to Shikoku.

Day 4 : Tokushima

Explore Tokushima town. We recommend incorporating a visit to Tokushima's most famous export to the rest of the country, the Bunraku puppet theatre to see a performance.

Day 5 : Takamatsu

Take a scenic coastal train ride to Takamatsu, home to one of Japan's most beautiful gardens the Ritsurin-koen and regarded as one of the top three.

Day 6 : Takamatsu

Today, take a short ferry ride to visit nearby Naoshima island and its world class art museums. There are other modern art installations of the surrounding smaller islands if time allows.

Day 7 : Iya Valley

Pick up your hire car and drive from Takamatsu to the rural and removed Iya Valley. Explore the area by car and on foot in the afternoon helped by the advanced GPS system provided with all rental cars. There is some breath-taking mountainous scenery to enjoy complete with beautiful waterfalls depending on the season.

Day 8 : Iya Valley

Start this morning with some light activity; white water rafting in the Oboke Gorge. The course is suitable for beginners and children too.

Day 9 : Matsuyama

Drive to the small town of Kannonji and then drop the car off here. Take the train onwards west to Matsuyama, Shikoku's principal city and oldest hot spring resort in Japan. The west has a different feel to the east of Shikoku.

Day 10 : Matsuyama

Explore the castle and gardens or just relax and rewind in the hot springs of your hotel.

Day 11 : Tokyo

Travel by train across to Okayama, stopping in to see another top-rated gardens, the Kourakuen Garden before continuing east to Tokyo.The evening is at leisure to catch up on any last-minute sightseeing or simply enjoy your final evening in Japan wining and dining.

Day 12 : International return flight

Take the limousine bus to the airport for your onward international return flight home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,095
Price per day$508
Last Updated: 1/12/2022

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Audley Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Audley Travel Reviews & Ratings

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Logistics

Accommodation

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
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